I bought this last year for general mountaineering and Rainier in particular. I really like the "cylinder" profile, which seems to carry better and protects all my clothing/gear. I used the RMI guides method of taking off the lid to use as a snack/small items pocket, stuffing it in the top of the pack. I only had about 35 pounds to carry but could easily have stuffed another 20 pounds worth of gear into it. The hipbelt and strap system was comfortable. I like the metal ice axe loop, very different from the norm but worked well. You just have to remember to pull up and secure the cord at the top, or else someone will find your axe on the glacier way behind you. The material is extra tough and abrasion resistant. I give it a 4.5 peak rating. Good job, BD